Some of the configuration is handled via the questions presented during the installation phase; the rest can be completed once you launch the application.
ALT-F12 takes you straight through to the import wizard in ACT, once there you can choose to import from the following types of files: ACT 3.x-6.x, dBase III-V, Outlook data, Q&A 4.0 to 5.0 data, and text delimited. Because we wanted to import from a comma-separated values document we needed to either import that data into Outlook or convert it to a text-delimited file. Once this had been completed we were presented with a comprehensive list of fields to convert from and to, we made the appropriate selections and the merging then began. All 380 records merged correctly.
There are far fewer export types available from the export wizard menu: ACR 2.1 for DOS, ACR 6.0, and text delimited. We tested an export using text and it worked fine.
To find anything in the database ACT has a complete menu dedicated to search. This menu it entitled lookup and has 21 items that enable the operator to search by any number of strings.
There is a tool under the Tools menu that allows the operator to scan for duplicates. This was, however, very hit and miss -- we found no benefit at all unless the contact details were identical.
E-mail, faxes, and document creation are all supported by ACT, in fact it has its own inbuilt word processor that integrates with many bundled templates to allow the operator to easily create basic fax headers and letters.
Part of the initial installation menu includes the ability to install ACT Link 2.0 for the Palm OS. Interestingly enough, however, it seems the ACT Link module/application for synchronising Microsoft Pocket PC-based handhelds comes at an additional cost. ACT also has an application called ACT for Web that enables users to access their data via a Web browser.
Overall, ACT is a neat and tidy package that, while not having the full functionality of some other CRM applications, still goes a long way and is an easy and fully configurable application. This would be an excellent choice for small businesses taking their first steps into contact management.
| Product | ACT! v6 |
| Price | AU$249 |
| Vendor | Interact Commerce |
| Phone | 1800 675 617 |
| Web | www.act.com |
| Interoperability |  |
| Limited to Microsoft office applications; good support for most accounting applications; product is limited by its proprietary database. | |
| Futureproofing |  |
| Should work well for quite some time. | |
| ROI |  |
| Quite a refined package at a fair price. Ideally suited to small businesses. | |
| Service |  |
| 30 days support included, then on a per-call basis or 12 months for AU$770; fair for this type of application. | |
| Rating |  |
It seems like now ACT! 6.0 also includes the PocketPC sync tool in the package (which is available for $229,- with a $20 discount for the download version at their website in the US store).
"With ACT! Link for Pocket PC and ACT! for Palm OS now included, you can access your data in the office or on the go."
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